A FESTIVE pantry, meditation Grinch, and Christmas art activities are on offer this month at Braintree’s new mental health hub.

A Place To Be You, on Fairfield Road, opened at the end of October this year.

It was launched by Gemma Griffin, who said the cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone and there was “no judgment” to people either in or out of work.

Braintree and Witham Times: Welcome - All are welcome to the festive pantry Welcome - All are welcome to the festive pantry (Image: A Place To Be You)

She said many people are now experiencing difficulties affording electric and heating costs, while others are struggling to pay their mortgages.

“Christmas is a tough time for everybody, not just for people with mental health problems,” she said.

The Festive Pantry has been launched where people can go once a week and help themselves to three items until December 23.

Festive food including chocolates and mince-pies are available, which Gemma said can often "make someone’s Christmas”.

Baby milk and toiletries are also on offer.

Braintree and Witham Times: Community - With the help of donations, the pantry is stocked for othersCommunity - With the help of donations, the pantry is stocked for others (Image: A Place To Be You)

Braintree and Witham Times: Necessities - Formula and other toiletries are also availableNecessities - Formula and other toiletries are also available (Image: A Place To Be You)

The not-for-profit hub will re-open on January 3 was the ‘Community Pantry’ due to the ongoing need.

Gemma said: “Not many people have money come January.”

A ‘meditation Grinch’ will be at the hub's snug on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas to show people how to relax and de-stress for a donation of £5.

Braintree and Witham Times: Glimpse - The 'snug' room with yoga matsGlimpse - The 'snug' room with yoga mats (Image: Newsquest)

People will also receive a small gift.

Braintree and Witham Times: Relax - Mediate with the Grinch Relax - Mediate with the Grinch (Image: A Place To Be You)

During the week, visitors to the centre can do arts activities, with a £2 donation covering either Christmas cracker or card making, Christmas colouring, or 'galaxy' stone painting - where painted stones are splattered to then create patterns.

Braintree and Witham Times: Varied - Many types of art activities are available throughout the weekVaried - Many types of art activities are available throughout the week (Image: A Place To Be You)

They can make festive gifts as well being a way to enjoy being creative.

Opening times are 10am to 4pm.

For more information and to meet new people visit A Place To Be You (Kinder Minds) on Facebook